Remo Apex Djembe

Nowadays djembes come in all shapes, sizes and materials: from traditional carved wood shells with goatskin heads and rope tuning to the latest synthetic shells, plastic heads and key tuning. Remo were among the first to introduce non-traditional djembes over 12 years ago when they launched the Key-Tuned djembe with Acousticon shells and Mondo synthetic heads. Now the company has taken the design a step further with the Apex djembe that has a lightweight ABS plastic shell moulded in a traditional shape with a steel plated counter hoop, eight tuning brackets and a synthetic Skyndeep Black Goat Stripe head. The Apex has a 12-inch head diameter, stands 23 inches tall and is aimed at recreational players through to professionals looking for a second drum. Tuning is a breeze with the supplied ratchet and the tuning brackets are rounded with recessed screws that, like the counter hoop, are shaped for comfort. The drum produces bright responsive open tones, cutting slaps and ringing edge tones, but has a dryer centre bass tone without the really deep bass oomph of heavier wood or Acousticon shells. Priced at £125 the Apex is light, very durable and perfect for playing on the move and comes with a bracket for belt or shoulder strap. (JN)